Does your car lock have perfect timing for malfunctions, like right before a meeting? It makes us wonder if locks just enjoy drama or love being pranksters.
Whether it’s your keys playing hide and seek or the lock getting jammed, car lock issues can be a real nightmare, and potentially dangerous, too!
Every car owner gets a car for convenience but anything from minor annoyances to significant problems can compromise your comfort and your vehicle’s security.
However, it’s all about just a bit of preventive care. Like any other hardware, car lock issues can be avoided with some simple hacks.
Let’s see if you can avoid common lock issues yourself or if you’ll need to call an automotive locksmith.
Common Car Lock Issues
Key Turns but Won’t Unlock
Suppose you’re trying to leave the parking spot, but a car is waiting behind you to grab it. The key turns smoothly in a lock but the door won’t budge and the frustration starts to settle in.
Typically, this happens due to a disconnection between the lock cylinder and the locking mechanism itself. Over time, the wear and tear of a lock can cause a misalignment, so when you try to unlock the door, it won’t happen.
Fortunately, you can avoid this with regular maintenance and a bit of lubrication now and then. If it has already happened, you can always call the automotive locksmith to replace the damaged parts.
Ignition Key Won’t Turn
Sometimes it feels like your car is giving you the silent treatment when the key doesn’t turn in the ignition. If you use heavy keychains, use too much pressure, or just with time, the internal waters of the ignition cylinder get stuck.
Other times, it could also be a steering lock issue. First, check if the steering wheel is giving you trouble. Give it a little wiggle to ensure that it isn’t locked.
A slight turn would relieve the pressure on the ignition cylinder. In case that doesn’t work, some lubrication or replacing the ignition cylinder would do the trick.
Frozen Lockouts
If you live in a chilly area, locks aren’t the only issue you’re having with your car, but we’ll address just that for now. Frozen locks can make it impossible for your keys to turn, or, even worse, to enter!
But don’t worry, you can solve this issue with a few tools. Grab a de-icer or use a gentle heat source to melt the ice. However, remember to not pour hot water over the locks as it would eventually freeze again and damage the lock’s mechanism.
If you want to keep the moisture out for good, applying graphite powder regularly will prevent the locks from freezing again.
Also Read: Importance of Locksmiths in Homes and Businesses Security
Electronic Lock Malfunctions
Did you decide to ditch the key and choose electronic locks instead? Unfortunately, even they become a little finicky over time. The problem could arise for many reasons.
A glitch in the system, dead batteries, or an issue in the vehicle’s wiring. You could try restarting your car’s battery and rebooting the system and that might do the trick.
If that doesn’t work, then you probably need to change the key fobs’ battery. For more persistent issues, you can always ask a professional automotive locksmith to identify and rectify the electrical problems.
Age-Related Wear and Tear
Like an engine that’s seen too many road trips, locks and keys can get tired after years of faithful service, too. Some days you would just have a moment where the key just wouldn’t fit in the lock.
You might even end up breaking it if you put too much pressure on it as it weakens due to wear and tear. Plus, the lack of care leads you to get jammed locks. With passing time they become gunky with dirt and debris.
To avoid that, you would need to give it regular lubrication with graphite powder. If your locking system has seen better days, perhaps it’s time to ask the automotive locksmith to replace it entirely.
Get Emergency Automotive Locksmith: ATC Locksmith Alabama
Diagnosing car lock issues isn’t a walk in the park. They need proper scanning and a look of a seasoned automotive locksmith. When you can’t resolve a lock issue on your own, utilizing an emergency lockout service can provide invaluable assistance.
Save time and get yourself out of a problem but also don’t end up worsening the situation. Get in touch with ATC Locksmith Alabama, and let our professionals handle everything from faulty electronic locks to jammed keys in the ignition. Save our contact information and reduce your stress in case of emergencies.
Recent Comments